Aug. 31, 2000

WHEN CAROLINA HAS THE BALL: Tulsa's defense is based on 8 man front principles. That means 4 down linemen, 2 linebackers, 2 strong safety types (one called a "bandit" and the other a "rover") backed up by a free safety, a right corner and a left corner.

From the stands, it will look a lot like a nickel defense, or FIVE defensive backs instead of the customary four. This defense is versatile, makes good use of athletes not quite fast enough to play corner but not quite heavy enough in the trousers to play linebacker, and it can be a difficult defensive alignment to run against if 8 defenders crowd the line of scrimmage.

The Golden Hurricane's starting secondary is smallish (5-7. 5-11 and 5-11) and Carolina's deep and talented receiving corps could be the strength of Mike O'Cain's offense. So a key factor Saturday night will be the Tar Heels ability to attack Tulsa downfield with the passing game.

If Tulsa thinks they are out-manned or if they fall behind, their defense will evolve into a risk-taking, slanting, angling, blitzing unit that will make some big plays and give up some big plays. Therefore, Carolina's pass protection schemes must work well. Backs are important in protecting the quarterback, both in knowing when and whom to block as well as understanding the hot reads and sight adjustments that any modern day multiple passing offense contains, and UNC's tailbacks are as green as avocados.

Another big key is the clock in Ronald Curry's head. This is the clock that starts at the snap of the ball on a pass play and goes "one thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three -THROW IT!!! (OR RUN FORWARD, GET WHAT YOU CAN, PROTECT YOURSELF AND THE FOOTBALL, AND AVOID A HARD LICK.) Ronald's pluckiness is admirable, but he doesn't have to hold the ball forever if nothing is there.

WHEN TULSA HAS THE BALL: Keep your eyes (ears if you are listening to Woody and me on the Tar Heel Sports Network) on Josh Blankenship, Tulsa's starting quarterback. He is mobile, heady and not afraid.

To me, how Tulsa decides to align and deploy their offensive personnel is the most compelling question of the game. Carolina really doesn't know what to expect. The Hurricanes were a fine screen team last year but a new coaching staff is in town. The Heels have studied tape from Oregon State (Offensive coordinator Jim Gilstrap coached there in 97 and 98) and Arkansas (on the resume's of several offensive coaches including head coach Keith Burns.)

If you were Tulsa what would you do? You'd probably test Carolina's new corner Michael Waddell with some deep balls early. You'd probably try to roll your quarterback outside of Carolina's fearsome pass rush and get him on the corner for some easy, short completions. And you'd probably mix in some trick plays in an effort to counter any talent discrepancy that might exist.

Ten starters return on this side of the ball for the Heels, and, on paper at least, Kenny Browning's defense looks like it will be able to control the game.

WHEN CAROLINA IS KICKING IT OR PUNTING IT: Warning: UNC's kicking game may not yet be suitable for all audiences.

HOW I SEE IT: Carolina 28 Tulsa 9.

We'll see you on the radio. Saturday. 5 pm.